It’s safe to say that if this gorgeous 9-5 Aero had been left for much longer, it would have been a very different outcome and might never have shone again. Mechanically, the sump had never been dropped and cleaned, the gearbox and engine oil were filthy (what was left of them) and not only had the oil cooler hose and unit been damaged, but the gearbox oil pipes had also deteriorated. Also the timing chain XX had almost worn through, and if it had gone completely, would have damaged the engine beyond sensible repair.
As it is, we’ve replaced everything that needed doing and the Saab undertook a 200 mile journey over the weekend and performed flawlessly. We haven’t added a Stage 1 remap from NoobTune yet, but the standard Aero boosts beautifully and exceptionally smoothly too. The cleverly utilised 9-3 Hirsch back box that Malcolm Miles fabricated together for me, looks and sounds great and adds a lovely touch of style and the new brakes and Abbott suspension feel as tight as the day it came out of the factory.
Whilst the interior is immaculate, the bodywork has plenty of patina; stone chips, dents and numerous marks, some of these we’ll address, but some will remain, this is an economy rescue and the original paint deserves to be honoured. We’ve given areas of corrosion underneath a good clean up, taking off surface rust and giving it a protective coat of Waxoil, we’ve also replaced one of the petrol tank straps that looked a little worse for wear.
To celebrate it’s rising from the flames, I gave it its first proper clean down and hugely excited by how it’s turning out, the 19” VXR alloys, although controversial to some, give the 9-5 a fantastic style and together with the Abbott springs, make the stance absolutely mesmerising.
I’m slowly machine polishing the entire car and once I’m done, it’ll go in for the worst panels to be repainted, most notably the passenger side rear arch, but overall, the Silver paintwork presents well.
This 9-5 Aero captures the reason I love rescuing Saabs, with the right mechanical work and with a few subtle modifications, they can be saved for many years, not only that, but they look spectacular, put a smile on your face and are becoming a rare sight on our roads. This one will be added to the Aerorignal pages very soon and will make someone very happy I hope.